Low Carb Chicken Casserole

There’s something about the way a hot casserole emerges from the oven — the steam carrying a warm, savory perfume of melted cheese and garlic, the broccoli and cauliflower softening into buttery tenderness, and shredded chicken folding into a creamy, tangy base. Each spoonful gives a gentle crunch, a velvety mouthfeel from the sour cream and cheese, and a bright lift from chopped green onions. It’s comfort food without the heaviness, and it feels like a hug on a plate.

This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is perfect for chilly weeknights when you want dinner done with minimal fuss, for potlucks where everyone’s after something cozy and familiar, or for meal-prep when you’d like a satisfying, protein-forward dish that reheats beautifully. If you enjoy casseroles with a classic, family-friendly vibe, you might also appreciate this modern twist on a favorite: low-carb Philly cheesesteak casserole, which uses similar comforting techniques.

Dish Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and weeknight cooks

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition per serving (estimated, recipe makes 4 servings):

• Calories: ~377 kcal
• Protein: ~31.7 g
• Total Carbohydrates: ~7.0 g
• Dietary Fiber: ~2 g (from broccoli/cauliflower)
• Net Carbs: ~5 g (approximate)
• Total Fat: ~23.2 g
• Sodium: variable depending on added salt and broth (estimate ~450–650 mg)

How these numbers were estimated: nutrient values were calculated using standard serving sizes and nutrient profiles from the USDA FoodData Central database and cross-checked against general guidance from government nutrition resources to ensure reasonable accuracy for meal planning. For personalized dietary advice, consult a registered dietitian or resources like the Mayo Clinic or CDC.

Why You’ll Love It

• Comfort without the carb overload: This casserole delivers that classic creamy, cheesy indulgence with a low-carbohydrate footprint — perfect if you’re watching carbs or following a keto-friendly pattern.
• Family-pleasing texture and flavor: The combination of tender chicken, lightly crisped florets, and a golden cheese top makes this an all-ages crowd-pleaser.
• Speed and simplicity: With mostly pantry staples and a short bake time, it’s excellent for busy evenings or when you want a no-fuss dish to bring to a potluck.
• Versatile and seasonal: Swap vegetables to fit what’s in season, and it still shines — cozy for winter dinners, bright enough for spring gatherings.

Preparation Guide

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 280 g cooked)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (about 90–100 g)
• 1 cup cauliflower florets (about 100 g)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, about 113 g)
• 1 cup sour cream (about 240 g)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (about 120 ml)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Optional ingredients and substitutions

• Swap sour cream for full-fat Greek yogurt (similar texture, slightly higher protein).
• Use part cream cheese (4 oz) for extra creaminess.
• Replace cheddar with pepper jack for heat, or Gruyère for nuttiness.
• For dairy-free: use vegan sour cream and dairy-free shredded cheese.
• For extra crunch: top with 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with butter.

Step-by-step directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium baking dish (9×9-inch or equivalent).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, broccoli, cauliflower, half of the cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking.
4. Top with the remaining cheese in an even layer.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Check the center — it should be hot and the vegetables tender.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious low carb chicken casserole!

Practical tips

• Avoid overmixing: stir just until combined to keep the texture pleasant and avoid breaking up the broccoli and cauliflower into mush.
• Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; the casserole should be steaming and the vegetables fork-tender.
• If your chicken is cold from the fridge, warm it slightly first so the casserole heats evenly and reaches bubbling temperature within the bake time.
• For an extra golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely to prevent burning.

Best Pairings

• Keep it simple: a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a handful of steamed asparagus.
• For a cozy plate: serve with buttered sautéed mushrooms or a side of roasted cherry tomatoes.
• Beverage pairings: a light-bodied white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc) or a citrusy iced tea complements the creamy richness.
• Snack or brunch idea: spoon smaller portions into toasted low-carb English muffins for mini open-faced sandwiches, or serve alongside a cup of coffee for a hearty brunch.

Serving idea with internal link
If you want another casserole to rotate into your weeknight menu, try pairing this with flavors similar to an Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole for inspiration on complementary textures and sauces.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Do not leave the casserole out longer than 2 hours (1 hour if ambient temperature is above 90°F / 32°C) due to food safety concerns.
• Refrigeration: Store covered in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note: texture of the vegetables may soften slightly after freezing; consider partially cooking the broccoli/cauliflower if you plan to freeze.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Best chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor, or poach boneless skinless chicken breasts in seasoned water for tender results.
• Cheese selection: Cheddar gives sharp flavor, mozzarella mellows and creates more stretch; a combo often yields the best balance.
• Texture control: Slightly undercook the broccoli and cauliflower before mixing if you prefer a firmer bite after baking.
• Salt carefully: Broth and cheese can be quite salty; season lightly before baking and adjust after if needed.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking — perfect for entertaining.

Creative Twists

• Bacon & Jalapeño: Stir in 4–6 crisp bacon strips and 1 diced jalapeño for smoky heat.
• Creamy Herb Chicken: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or tarragon and replace half the sour cream with cream cheese for a rich, aromatic version.
• Veggie-Forward (lower protein): Swap the chicken for extra mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian take; add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for savory depth.
• Vegan option: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit or firm tofu, use vegan sour cream and dairy-free cheese, and boost thickness with 2 tbsp blended cashews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower?
A: Yes — thaw and pat dry first to remove excess moisture, or partially steam to avoid a watery casserole.

Q: How can I reduce the fat but keep creaminess?
A: Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the cheese to 3/4 cup; the texture will be slightly tangier but still creamy.

Q: Will this work with raw chicken?
A: It’s best to use cooked shredded chicken. If using raw, cut into small pieces and increase bake time until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

Q: Can I add rice or potatoes?
A: Adding rice or potatoes will increase carbs significantly — if you want more bulk while keeping it low-carb, add more low-carb veggies like zucchini or spinach.

Q: How do I prevent a watery casserole?
A: Avoid excess liquid from thawed frozen vegetables and don’t overuse broth. Thicker dairy (cream cheese or strained yogurt) helps bind ingredients.

Conclusion

If you’re craving comfort without the carb-heavy side effects, this Low Carb Chicken Casserole brings warmth, cheesy satisfaction, and real substance to weeknight dinners and gatherings alike. For a different take or inspiration from other recipe creators, consider comparing techniques with That Low Carb Life’s Low Carb Chicken Casserole or exploring a cheesier variation at Kasey Trenum’s Cheesy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole. Try the recipe, tweak it to your taste, and share your results — I’d love to hear how you made it your own.